Walther’s new front man, the PDP, pays homage to the PPQ and Q4/Q5 series, but brings new features and design elements to take the line forward another decade or more. The pistol with prestigious pedigree is featured in the July/August issue of American Handgunner.

Editor Tom McHale went hands on with the 9mm and was impressed with the “wonderful” stock trigger, extra-long slide lock lever (which also provides extra leverage) and noteworthy performance with Black Hills’ 115-grain JHP EXP rounds that delivered a 0.98" five-shot group at 25 yards. He lends, “I found the PDP to be an impressive pistol all around: easy to handle, firm in the hand and stunningly accurate for a mass-production handgun. With an MSRP of $649, you’re getting a heck of a pistol for the money.”

In the growing compact market, Rock River Arms new .45 ACP BBR sports a 3.1" ported barrel, fully adjustable rear sight, “vintage” 1911 controls and discreet 10-round double-stack. “Why on earth do we need the BBR? It’s one of the smallest, lightest, highest capacity 1911-style autos in .45 ACP you can find anywhere. If you trust your life to this fat cartridge, the BBR brings 11 rounds of .45 caliber thump literally into the palm of your hand,” contends Roy Huntington.

Topping the issue’s handgun giveaway package is a Taurus G3 T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option). The 9mm has a 4" barrel, 17-round capacity and accommodates a wide range of optics thanks to an interchangeable plate mount. The winner will also receive a Bushnell RXS-250 Reflex Sight, 100 rounds of Magtech 115-grain FMJ ammo and a Lanny knife from CRKT. Altogether the package is a valued at $788.75. Readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing at AmericanHandgunner.com/giveaways.

Other points of interest in the July/August issue include Jeremy D. Clough’s review of Ruger’s 5151 Birdshead Vaquero. The “short and sweet” 5151 is a pretty, compact sixgun that points well and cocks easily. Now being as good a time as any to consider reloading, Tom McHale discusses the finer points of Dillon’s 550C Precision Loading Machine. And Gary Paul Johnston tells “Tall But True Tales” about fascinating guns you likely never saw, including a Lawman’s 1891 Colt SAA and the Medusa.

Exclusive online-only articles, including “Beat The Ammo Crunch: How To Make .45 Colt Shotshells” by Roger Smith and Tom McHale’s “SAR 9X Platinum — A Solid Pistol With All The Extras” can be found at AmericanHandgunner.com. Purchase the Jul/Aug issue or order a digital subscription at www.fmgpubs.com. Kindle and digital versions are also available.